Department of Biological Sciences

Department of Biological Sciences

Welcome to the Department of Biological Sciences

Whether you are interested in biomolecules or ecosystems or everything in between, The Department of Biological Sciences at Messiah College offers students the opportunity to tailor their study of biology to pursue their interests and calling in a distinctly Christian context. The department offers a choice of majors and concentrations that seek to provide students with an understanding of the sciences that will enable them to pursue a range of post-graduate options, including graduate school, medical school, or the allied health field, or immediately seek employment in a variety of settings in industry, business, education, and government.

Curriculum

Our curriculum, which includes a Biology major with a choice of 5
different concentrations, provides both a broad foundational base as
well as allowing for focus on specific areas, such as biomedical,
cellular, organismal, and ecosystems. For those who are interested in a
more specialized course of study, we also offer several specialized and
interdisciplinary majors, including Environmental Science, Molecular
Biology, and Biopsychology. Throughout our curriculum, learning in the
classrooms is complemented by active, hands-on experiences in the lab and
in the field. Students also have the opportunity to explore the world
by participating in travel courses led by departmental faculty to global
destinations including Central America, New Zealand, Patagonia and
Zambia.

For more details on the curriculum requirements and the types of courses you would be taking as a Biology Major, visit our Online Course Catalog or take a look at the printable Biology Major Brochure.

Facilities

The Kline-Jordan Science Center houses modern labs that are
equipped with research quality technology and equipment, including real
time PCR machines and deconvolution fluorescence microscopes, as well as
The Oakes Museum and a greenhouse. Many departmental faculty carry on
active, ongoing research programs and students have the opportunity to
collaborate with published faculty on original research projects. Upper
level students regularly present their work at our research symposia
every spring as well as at professional meetings and conferences.
Students can apply for The Steinbrecher Undergraduate Research
Fellowship, which provides funding for full time undergraduate research
projects with faculty over the summer.

Biological Sciences in a Christian Liberal Arts Setting

The unique advantage of studying biological science at Messiah is
that students work in the context of a Christian liberal arts education.
Thus, while investigating the world around them, they also study
themselves and their Creator. The Department places special emphasis on
integrating the knowledge and methods of the sciences with what
Christian faith teaches about people and their place in the universe.
Additionally, the Central Pennsylvania Forum for Religion and Science,
which is under the direction of a departmental faculty member, regularly
sponsors a variety of events to promote a better understanding of
religion and science and is also a resource available to students.

How to Apply

To apply for admission to Messiah College, simply call and request an application at 1-800-233-4220 or apply online! Open House dates and major-specific events are scheduled throughout the year. Students may arrange for a variety of visit options to suit their interests and schedule.

* Messiah College does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, age, disability, or national or ethnic origin